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“‘Say what they want!’ – Virgil van Dijk hits back at Everton taunts with strong Liverpool statement”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will lead his team for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park against Everton on Saturday lunchtime.

Van Dijk emphasized that Liverpool is determined to make up for their disappointing performance in April’s Merseyside derby, where they were defeated 2-0 at Goodison Park. In that match, goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin handed Liverpool their second derby loss since 2010.

Everton fans celebrated the victory, singing about how Liverpool “lost the league at Goodison Park,” but Van Dijk dismissed such taunts ahead of their final visit to Goodison before Everton moves to a new stadium on the waterfront.

“Who said that (Goodison defeat ended title hopes)?! Wow!” Van Dijk remarked, speaking after Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle United. “They can say whatever they want! That game was very disappointing in so many ways, but Saturday is another opportunity.”

He continued, “It’s a game where they will definitely be up for it, but so will we. I’m really looking forward to it, going there with our fans, but we all know we need to improve — especially from the first half in terms of the fight in a good way.”

Van Dijk acknowledged that the season would have its ups and downs, but he remained confident about bouncing back, even after the Newcastle draw. “I knew already we are going to have ups and downs this year, this (Newcastle draw) is not a real down even if it feels like it at this point. We will be in, recovering and fresh and ready to attack the next challenge. We have to learn from the first half quite quickly.”

Speaking about Mohamed Salah, who scored twice against Newcastle to reach 15 goals for the season, Van Dijk said: “I think we all know how it works in football; one week you can say that [he’s the best in the world], next week they say something else. I want him to be important like he was in the second half, and Saturday is another big one, so hopefully he can keep it going.”

The captain also addressed goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who made a rare mistake, allowing Fabian Schar to score an equalizer late in the game. Despite this, Van Dijk defended Kelleher, who has impressed during Alisson Becker’s absence.

“Obviously, these things unfortunately happen in football,” Van Dijk said. “You have to keep going. Don’t listen to the reaction or people who will be very harsh on him in my opinion. There will always be people out there. He has had an outstanding season so far and he needs to keep going. We need him to be focused in a few hours when we’re back on the pitch. He will learn from this as we all have to learn from the first half and hopefully be ready for a very, very big one on Saturday, which will be very tough.”

December 6, 2024
Liverpool may be missing seven players against Everton as Alexis Mac Allister faces two-match suspension

Liverpool will be missing several players due to injury and suspension for Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexis Mac Allister is the latest addition to Liverpool’s injury list, as the Argentina international faces two one-match suspensions in both the Premier League and Champions League. As a result, he will miss both the trip to Everton and the game at Girona.

With Mac Allister’s absence, the Reds could be without as many as seven players when they make their way across Stanley Park. However, Federico Chiesa is nearing a return to the first team after scoring for the Under-21s during the week.

Liverpool is particularly stretched in defense, with only five defenders available. Slot was forced to play Jarell Quansah at right-back during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle while managing Trent Alexander-Arnold carefully due to a hamstring issue.

Given that the Newcastle game marks the start of nine matches in 32 days for Liverpool, the ECHO takes a closer look at the players who could be absent for the first Merseyside derby of the season:

Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister will miss Liverpool’s next two matches due to suspension. He was booked in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle and will sit out the Merseyside derby after receiving his fifth yellow card of the Premier League campaign. The standard punishment is a one-game suspension, but the midfielder will also miss next week’s Champions League trip to Girona after earning a third European yellow card against Real Madrid.

Mac Allister has received eight yellow cards in 21 appearances for Liverpool this season. Expressing his disappointment after the Newcastle match, he shared on social media: “So sad to be suspended for the Merseyside Derby, a huge game, for a yellow that I don’t think I deserved. Time to support the boys from outside, come on Liverpool.”

Alisson Becker
Alisson is nearing a return after suffering a hamstring injury at Crystal Palace in early October. He recently explained why his recovery had taken longer than expected. Slot has confirmed that Alisson will return as the first-choice goalkeeper when fully fit, despite Caoimhin Kelleher’s impressive performances. The Brazilian has been seen training individually during the November international break, but a specific return date is yet to be determined. Slot expects him to be back in goal before the end of the month.

At his pre-match press conference before facing Newcastle, Slot said: “We are just waiting for the moment that Alisson is completely fit because Caoimh is doing too well to put Alisson in goal if he is only on 50 per cent [fitness] and that would not be good for Alisson and not be good for the team. He’s getting there. It might take a few more extra days but he’s getting closer and closer and like I’ve always said the end phase of rehab is always the period where you feel like, ‘OK, is he really there or does he need a few extra days?’ But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are.”

Federico Chiesa
Chiesa, who has not played for Liverpool since his debut against West Ham United in the League Cup in September, is nearing a comeback after rejoining team training. The forward has gradually integrated into full team sessions over the past two weeks. Slot confirmed that Chiesa “is getting back” ahead of the Newcastle match. He did not play in the 3-3 draw but appeared for the Under-21s against FC Nordsjaelland, scoring in a 4-3 loss. It remains unclear whether he will be fit for Saturday’s Merseyside derby.

Diogo Jota
Jota has been absent since sustaining an upper body injury in the first half of the match against Chelsea after the October international break. Slot had initially expected the Portuguese forward to return in December and confirmed he would miss both the Real Madrid and Manchester City fixtures. Jota was seen training after the November international break but is not yet fully integrated into team sessions. While he is approaching a return, it is unlikely he will be fit in time for the Newcastle match.

Conor Bradley

Bradley suffered a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s Champions League match against Real Madrid and has been ruled out for a “few weeks.” Slot confirmed that Bradley, along with Ibrahima Konaté and Kostas Tsimikas, is expected to return by January at the latest.

Ibrahima Konaté
Konaté injured his knee during Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid and later confirmed on social media that he would be sidelined for a period. He missed the victory over Manchester City and was seen on crutches at Anfield. Slot has since stated that the Frenchman will be out for “a few weeks” but should return in January.

Kostas Tsimikas
Tsimikas sustained an ankle injury in training last month and was spotted on crutches with a protective boot before the match against Manchester City. Like Konaté and Bradley, Tsimikas is expected to be back in action by January at the latest.

December 6, 2024
Mohamed Salah praised for new Liverpool deal as Reds reportedly meet his demands

Mohamed Salah’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire this summer, but it seems he may extend his stay at Anfield, according to a former Egypt international.

Haytham Farouk, a former Egypt player, has stated that Salah has signed a new contract with Liverpool.

Salah’s current agreement with the Reds runs out at the end of the season, making him a free agent. Just two weeks ago, the star forward mentioned that the club had yet to offer him new terms.

Since then, he has continued to shine for Arne Slot’s team, assisting and scoring a penalty against Manchester City, and adding another assist along with two goals in the exciting 3-3 draw with Newcastle.

These performances have led many to call for Liverpool to meet Salah’s demands for a new contract. Jamie Carragher even reversed his earlier stance on the negotiations on Wednesday evening.

It seems the club may have listened, with Farouk congratulating Salah on his new deal. He shared an old photo of himself with Salah and suggested the Reds had agreed to Salah’s demands.

Farouk wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations on renewing your contract with the number you like and the period you want. The Egyptian king rules with his own judgments.”

Farouk, who is also a popular analyst on beIN Sports, has a close connection with Salah. His post was made on December 4, the same day Liverpool played a 3-3 draw with Newcastle.

Salah’s brace in that match brought his total to 13 Premier League goals this season, helping the Reds to the top of the table. Following the game, Slot suggested he expects Salah to stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future.

“We are hoping and expecting he can continue this for a long time,” Slot said. “He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us.

“I have seen many games from last season, but it is always difficult to judge a player if you are not there. What I did most was [look at] style of play and team performance, and not that much the individual performance.

“What I noticed from the start, when he came in [in preseason], was how fit he was, how ready he was to make it a very good season for him. That he led by example from the first day onwards in preseason when so many of his teammates, who he usually plays with, were not there.

“So, the international players were not present, and to still be able to work that hard, he did, and train so hard: yeah, and then we all saw the quality in the training sessions. So it’s not a surprising thing for me that he’s done so well until now.”

December 6, 2024
Match Preview: Everton vs. Liverpool – Prediction, Lineups, and Team News

Goodison Park will host the 245th Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool in the Premier League this Saturday.

This match will carry significant emotional weight, marking the final derby to be held at Goodison before Everton moves to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.

Match preview
For Everton supporters, this game will be one of the most emotional of the season, second only to the final home match against Southampton in May. The significance of this derby as the last to be played at the iconic Goodison Park adds to the atmosphere.

Everton fans will head into the match in higher spirits after snapping a five-game winless streak and a four-game scoreless run with a vital 4-0 victory over relegation contenders Wolverhampton Wanderers. The win came at a crucial time for manager Sean Dyche, whose job had been under threat due to a run of poor form that had frustrated much of the fanbase.

The victory lifted Everton to 15th place, briefly overtaking Crystal Palace and Leicester City, who won the previous day, and now they are five points clear of the relegation zone, a vital cushion ahead of a challenging stretch of matches.

After facing Liverpool, Dyche’s side will travel to Arsenal, host Chelsea just before Christmas, and face Manchester City on Boxing Day. Thus, securing the three points was vital for avoiding a dangerous run of fixtures.

Everton will be aiming for back-to-back league wins for the first time since April when they defeated Liverpool at Goodison. However, their recent derby record suggests this might be a tough task. They have not won consecutive derbies against Liverpool since the 1984-85 season, when they were crowned champions of England.

In fact, Everton’s overall record against the top teams is poor, with just four wins in 47 Premier League matches against sides currently top of the table. Liverpool, in particular, have been their toughest opponents, with only six victories in 54 meetings since 2000, making the visitors the clear favorites for this match.

Liverpool’s shock loss at Goodison Park in April ended their 12-game unbeaten streak there, but new manager Arne Slot has little to improve upon Jurgen Klopp’s record at the venue. Klopp won his first derby at Goodison but only managed one more win in his next seven visits, with a 4-1 victory in 2021 when Rafael Benitez was in charge at Everton.

The 12:30pm kickoff could be either an advantage or a challenge for Liverpool. Despite much discussion about their frequent early Saturday games, they are unbeaten in their last eight such matches, winning six.

A win in this crucial match would increase pressure on the teams chasing Liverpool, while any further dropped points would provide more motivation for their rivals.

Although Mohamed Salah’s brilliance wasn’t enough in the 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday, it remains clear that Liverpool is still performing at a high level despite slipping up. It was only their third draw in 21 games under Slot, and with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City all winning on the same night, the gap between Liverpool and their rivals has closed slightly. However, defensive issues have crept in, as the team conceded two or more goals in four consecutive away games.

Team News

Armando Broja made his debut for Everton during Wednesday’s win and had a positive impact, setting up two chances for Jack Harrison. His return puts pressure on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who regained his place from Beto in midweek and contributed to two own goals scored by Craig Dawson. Youssef Chermiti is still a week or two away from full fitness, while midfielders James Garner and Tim Iroegbuman are also working to be fit for the busy winter schedule.

For Liverpool, defensive duo Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley remain sidelined, and their absence was felt during the game against Newcastle, where Joe Gomez struggled defensively. Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to return, and it is likely that Jarrell Quansah will partner Virgil van Dijk at the back. Goalkeeper Alisson is nearing a return, although Slot has stated that he won’t be rushed back, given Caoimhin Kelleher’s form, though the Brazilian could return sooner following Kelleher’s error in the Newcastle game.

Alexis Mac Allister is suspended after his booking at Newcastle, and Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are unlikely to feature in such an intense match.

All eyes will be on Salah once again, as he recently overtook Erling Haaland at the top of the Premier League goal-scoring charts with two goals in midweek. He also surpassed Wayne Rooney for the most Premier League games with both a goal and an assist (37), after setting up Curtis Jones for the equalizer.

Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Ndiaye, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin

Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Prediction: Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Everton’s midweek victory will provide a more optimistic atmosphere leading into the match, but their poor record against Liverpool cannot be ignored, with just six wins in 54 meetings. Even when Liverpool were not at their best, they still often bested their Merseyside rivals. Despite a slight setback on Wednesday, Liverpool remains the overwhelming favorite for this derby.

December 6, 2024
Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool: Salah’s Heroic Effort Stalls in Thrilling Draw

Mo Salah replicated his performance against Southampton, scoring twice to help Liverpool recover from a 2-1 deficit, though this time it ended in a 3-3 draw at Newcastle.

Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool

After commanding victories over Real Madrid and Manchester City, Liverpool faced a tougher challenge against a disciplined and aggressive Newcastle team.

An early effort from Alexis Mac Allister, driven through the crowd, forced Nick Pope into a low save. Meanwhile, Newcastle focused on exploiting right-back Jarell Quansah as he settled into the match.

Jacob Murphy’s shot hitting the outside of the post served as a warning for Liverpool, before Alexander Isak produced a moment of brilliance in the 35th minute.

Despite being an injury concern before the game, Isak picked up the ball from 30 yards out, evaded Virgil van Dijk, and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner.

Van Dijk narrowly avoided trouble after deliberately fouling Anthony Gordon following a missed chance from the summer target. Liverpool struggled throughout the first half, arguably their worst under manager Slot so far.

HT: Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool

In a surprise move, Liverpool made no changes at half-time, either in personnel or positions, keeping Quansah at right-back and Gomez at centre-back.

However, the team showed a significant shift in energy and intensity. Just five minutes into the second half, Salah found Curtis Jones with a clever trivela pass, and Jones finished with composure to level the score.

Liverpool should have taken the lead when Cody Gakpo’s header across goal reached Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguayan failed to make contact, and the ball went wide.

Instead, Newcastle regained the lead through Anthony Gordon, who took advantage of Quansah and Gomez being out of position, cutting onto his right foot to score despite Caoimhin Kelleher’s attempt to save.

In response, Slot made three substitutions, bringing on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Diaz for Gomez, Ryan Gravenberch, and Gakpo. Alexander-Arnold quickly assisted Salah for the equalizer, making it 2-2.

The game intensified, and after Salah hit the crossbar in a near miss, he completed his brace with a well-taken turn and finish, again from an Alexander-Arnold assist.

However, a costly mistake from Kelleher, who left the ball behind him, allowed Fabian Schar to score, denying Liverpool the win.

Late on, Liverpool had two penalty appeals turned down for a foul on Luis Diaz and a handball by Dan Burn, but ultimately, it was their own mistakes that led to the dropped points at St James’ Park.

TIA Man of the Match: Mohamed Salah

Referee: Andy Madley

Newcastle: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali (Longstaff 87′), Joelinton (Willock 88′); Murphy (Barnes 74′), Gordon (Wilson 87′), Isak
Subs not used: Dubravka, Targett, Kelly, Almiron, Osula

Liverpool: Kelleher; Quansah, Gomez (Alexander-Arnold 67′), Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch (Szoboszlai 67′), Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo (Diaz 67′), Nunez
Subs not used: Jaros, Nallo, Endo, Morton, Elliott, Nyoni

Next match: Everton (A) – Premier League – Saturday, December 7, 12:30 pm (GMT)

December 4, 2024
Liverpool set to spend £91m on two key signings for Slot in January

Liverpool manager Arne Slot may reportedly have the opportunity to make two significant signings to further strengthen his Premier League-leading team this January.

The Reds have been exceptional since Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp in the summer, with the Dutch manager far exceeding expectations given the pre-season outlook.

Few would have anticipated that Liverpool would adjust so effectively to the departure of club icon Klopp, but Slot appears to have elevated the team to new heights.

This success has come despite a quiet summer transfer window, and now it seems Liverpool are ready to support Slot with two major acquisitions for the mid-season.

Liverpool set to invest heavily in Martin Zubimendi and Milos Kerkez?

Despite holding a nine-point lead at the top of the table, Liverpool are clearly not content to rest on their laurels, with reports suggesting they are willing to spend up to £91 million on the signings of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Zubimendi deal is likely to be straightforward for Liverpool, with the Spain international expected to leave his current club and negotiate a better contract at Anfield.

The report notes that Arsenal are also interested in Zubimendi, which could complicate matters, but there is optimism that Liverpool will return for the 25-year-old after previously attempting to sign him in the summer.

As for Kerkez, he could be available for around £40 million following his impressive performances at Bournemouth. The young Hungary international is viewed as a promising long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson at left-back.

Robertson remains a vital player for Slot’s side, but there are growing indications that his age is beginning to show, and he may no longer be in his prime.

More news…..

Report: Liverpool star set to settle rumors by agreeing to new contract with the club

Several Liverpool players are facing an uncertain future at the club.

Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all in the final year of their contracts, and their long-term futures at Anfield remain unresolved.

These three players have been the backbone of Liverpool’s team for years, and even this season, under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, they have helped propel the Merseyside club to the top of both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Their exceptional form has rattled the confidence of Premier League champions Manchester City.

Salah has been linked to a move to the Saudi Pro League, while Real Madrid holds an interest in Alexander-Arnold.

That leaves Van Dijk, and the good news for Liverpool supporters is that the Dutch defender is reportedly close to agreeing to a new contract at Anfield.

As reported by GiveMeSport, the legendary Liverpool centre-back is willing to extend his current contract with the club and continue to lead them under Slot.

It’s hard to picture a Liverpool team without Van Dijk in it. The seasoned defender has played every minute in both the league and the Champions League this season, earning his place as one of the team’s top performers.

Virgil Van Dijk is ready to sign a new deal at Liverpool

Both the player and the club are eager to extend their partnership, and the contract issue is expected to be resolved soon.

Since his move from Southampton, the Dutch defender has significantly changed the club’s fortunes.

Liverpool cannot afford to lose Virgil Van Dijk

Under former manager Jurgen Klopp, he was a crucial figure and played a key role in their successes in both the league and the Champions League.

Liverpool fans will be thrilled to hear that Van Dijk is staying with the club.

However, they will hope for the same from Salah and Alexander-Arnold, though at this stage, their futures remain uncertain.

The details of Van Dijk’s new contract with the club are yet to be revealed.

December 4, 2024
Liverpool still interested in signing Chelsea star who is ‘undervalued’ at his $127k salary

Liverpool is reportedly still interested in signing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, who could be on the move next summer due to a contract that doesn’t align with his true value.

Despite concerns over the future of three key players, Liverpool’s plans for potential signings next summer remain ongoing. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah will all be out of contract next summer, and they could leave for free, signing pre-contract agreements with non-English clubs from January 1.

Fenway Sports Group and Michael Edwards are working hard to secure the futures of these three, but reports now suggest that the club is also eyeing new recruits ahead of the summer transfer window.

One player who could be a target is Chelsea’s rising star Levi Colwill. Liverpool had shown interest in the England international in the past, but Chelsea was unwilling to entertain a sale. Now, however, Chelsea may have no choice due to Colwill’s contract situation. According to The Athletic, the young defender was pursued by Bayern Munich last summer, but Chelsea rejected any notion of selling him.

Colwill’s current contract, valued at $127,000 per week, doesn’t reflect his importance to the team, with the player seen as a future potential first-team captain. Chelsea is reportedly bracing for further interest next summer, at which point Liverpool may revisit its pursuit of the player.

It’s clear that Liverpool will likely target a centre-back, regardless of Van Dijk’s future. The Dutchman is expected to sign a new contract that will see him stay for the remainder of his career on Merseyside. However, Ibrahima Konate might need a high-quality partner as an understudy. Jarell Quansah, while highly regarded, is young and will need competition. Joe Gomez is tipped to leave the club soon, leaving Arne Slot with limited options—particularly if another injury crisis similar to the one in the 2020-21 season occurs.

Liverpool.com states: “Colwill is a quality player, there’s no doubt about that, but Liverpool needs to avoid paying a big transfer fee for a centre-back who may not start.”

While it’s positive to see Liverpool looking to strengthen their squad, the club must be cautious with its spending. Prioritizing contract renewals should remain the focus.

More news…..

Concerns over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation could leave Liverpool in an unexpected predicament

Trent Alexander-Arnold is still considering his future but appears to be leaning towards a transfer to Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old full-back has only eight months remaining on his contract with Liverpool and has not yet agreed to an extension.

Following Dani Carvajal’s recent long-term ACL injury, Alexander-Arnold has become a transfer target for Real Madrid, potentially joining his close friend Jude Bellingham at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Trent Alexander-Arnold nearing a move to Real Madrid.

He recently expressed his ambition to be the first full-back to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, which has intensified speculation about his future.

Fans would be shocked to see the England international leave Liverpool after 20 years, but a report from Football Insider suggests this could soon be a reality.

With Alexander-Arnold “increasingly likely to join” Los Blancos, Liverpool may need to consider selling him in the January transfer window to avoid losing him for free in six months.

Inconceivable situation for Liverpool

This news is sure to alarm supporters.

The thought of Liverpool having to sell one of their greatest academy graduates is a difficult situation for the club to face.

To prevent this outcome, Arne Slot must focus on persuading the player that staying and signing a new deal is the best choice.

Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season, though Van Dijk is expected to negotiate a new agreement soon.

December 4, 2024
Exclusive news: Arsenal and Liverpool tracking Brazilian winger for possible transfer

Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly keeping an eye on highly-rated Brazilian winger Gabriel Pec of LA Galaxy, according to sources who spoke with CaughtOffside.

Both clubs, along with several other Premier League teams, have had scouts monitoring Pec, who is emerging as an exciting young prospect.

The 23-year-old has caught attention with his performances in the MLS, leading to interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Wolves, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Napoli.

While Pec is being considered as a potential future target for top clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, it is still uncertain whether they will make a move for him in the near future.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the South American talent is one to watch, and if he continues to impress with his form in the US, top clubs are likely to show interest in signing him.

Could Gabriel Pec be a surprise solution for Arsenal and Liverpool?

Pec could eventually offer something different for Arsenal’s attack, especially with Mikel Arteta facing a shortage of options in that area.

The Gunners often rely heavily on Bukayo Saka to create opportunities up front, but Pec could provide an alternative or even an upgrade on inconsistent players like Gabriel Martinelli. Moreover, loan signing Raheem Sterling is unlikely to remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond this season.

Liverpool, too, might want to explore new attacking options as Mohamed Salah’s contract nears its end, and Diogo Jota has struggled with injuries.

Although the Reds would need a truly exceptional player to replace someone of Salah’s caliber, Pec has the potential to become a key player for a club of Liverpool’s stature in the future.

More news…..

Real Madrid set to spoil Liverpool and Man City’s summer with €150m signing

The 2025 summer transfer window is shaping up to be crucial for the future of Real Madrid, with the La Liga champions planning to make a significant move by signing both Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

Real Madrid’s start to the 2024/25 season has been disappointing, with the team struggling to find form since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. The situation has been further complicated by injuries, making things even more challenging for manager Carlo Ancelotti.

However, Ancelotti, with his extensive experience, will be determined to resolve the issues at hand and is likely to aim for a strong finish to his tenure at the Bernabeu. Despite having a contract that runs until 2026, the 65-year-old is expected to leave the club next summer.

According to Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger, Real Madrid are targeting Xabi Alonso to replace Ancelotti, with the Spanish club hopeful that Alonso can also convince his compatriot, Florian Wirtz, to join him in Madrid.

Hiring Alonso would be a bold move, given that the Spanish coach has faced some struggles in Germany this season. Despite this, he led Bayer Leverkusen to a remarkable league and cup double in the 2023/24 campaign, remaining unbeaten throughout the season. While Alonso is undoubtedly a talented coach, he is still relatively inexperienced at the highest level. However, Real Madrid does not view this as a significant risk.

Will Florian Wirtz join Real Madrid next season?
Wirtz has been linked with a move to Real Madrid since this summer, with several top European clubs expressing interest in the midfielder after his outstanding 2023/24 season with Bayer Leverkusen.

Reports from the Liverpool Echo suggest that, according to German sources, both Real Madrid and Liverpool showed interest in Wirtz ahead of the current season, although Liverpool’s pursuit was not deemed serious. It was also reported that Manchester City and Bayern Munich were in the running for the 21-year-old, who Bayer Leverkusen values at around €150m (£125m).

While the transfer fee in 2025 may not be as high, it will likely still be substantial, as the Bundesliga side holds all the leverage with Wirtz’s contract at the BayArena running until 2027.

December 4, 2024
Liverpool have presented a contract offer to Virgil van Dijk – negotiations ongoing

According to a trusted source, Liverpool has extended a new contract offer to Virgil van Dijk as his current deal nears expiration at the end of the season.

As many are aware, Van Dijk, Mo Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have contracts set to expire in the summer of 2025, giving them the freedom to move to other clubs.

However, a deal for Van Dijk seems to be progressing, with Liverpool reportedly making a formal contract offer, according to respected journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Yet, not all the news is positive. Ornstein shared that the offer “fell short of his expectations and so far there has been no breakthrough on the value or length of an extension.”

He added, “The dialogue has taken place for some time and continues.”

While no deal has been reached yet, it’s clear from these developments – likely originating from the club – that there is confidence in making progress soon.

Virgil van Dijk’s recent comments on contracts

Discussions about the player’s future have mainly taken place behind closed doors.

In his most recent comments, made during an interview with Viaplay late last week, Van Dijk indicated that no agreement was near.

“Honestly, no,” the Dutch captain replied when asked if a deal had been completed.

“There is no change at all, there is no update at all, there is no news for the outside world. So I have nothing to share.

“[I understand the curiosity] but there is nothing at all, it is all untrue.”

These remarks followed Van Dijk briefly joining Salah in the mixed zone after Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Southampton on November 24, where he smiled while saying, “I will play at the top level as long as possible, for sure, me and this man.”

From his words, it’s clear that Van Dijk is eager to stay.

More news…..

Liverpool to compete with Atletico Madrid for 21-year-old talent’s signature

Liverpool is reportedly set to compete with Atletico Madrid and other top European clubs for the signature of PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi.

The 21-year-old United States international has been in excellent form for PSV this season, scoring six goals in 11 Eredivisie matches—just one goal shy of his total from last season. Pepi netted seven goals in 27 league appearances during the 2023/24 campaign, helping PSV secure the Eredivisie title with a commanding seven-point lead over Feyenoord, managed by Arne Slot.

Now, Pepi appears to be attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool. According to CaughtOffside, the Reds are reportedly monitoring the forward, who could be available for a rumored fee of $26.4m (£20.8m/€25m).

Atletico Madrid is also said to be keeping an eye on Pepi, alongside Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Currently, while Liverpool’s attacking options are strong, the team is left with just one fit striker, Darwin Nunez, due to Diogo Jota’s injury.

The Athletic recently reported that Jota is expected to be sidelined for “about a week after the international break,” meaning he will miss matches against Southampton, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. Unless there is a tactical change, Nunez is likely to lead the attack for Liverpool in these games.

With Jota’s ongoing fitness issues, questions are being raised about whether Liverpool should target a new striker in January, particularly with their strong push for the Premier League title this season. Jota has not managed to complete a full Premier League campaign for Liverpool, with the only time he played more than 30 league matches coming in the 2021/22 season.

December 4, 2024
Liverpool set to make contract offer to Mo Salah after ‘positive’ talks

Liverpool is expected to present Mohamed Salah with a formal contract offer soon, with sources within the club suggesting that initial discussions have been promising.

Salah’s future has attracted considerable attention recently, with the Egyptian becoming increasingly vocal about the status of negotiations. After the 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, he told Sky Sports: “Honestly, that was in my head. This is, up until now, the last City game I play for Liverpool [at Anfield].”

Behind the scenes, individuals close to Salah have described the 32-year-old as feeling “exasperated” with the slow pace of talks with the club. However, Liverpool is said to have had “positive” discussions with the player’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, and according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, an official contract offer is expected soon.

In an update on Wednesday, Ornstein clarified that while Salah’s statement about the Reds not yet making an offer “remained accurate as of Sunday,” the expectation is that “it will change soon.”

This comes as Liverpool has already offered Virgil van Dijk a new contract, with the Dutch defender’s current deal also set to expire at the end of the season. Negotiations are also ongoing with Trent Alexander-Arnold, though his situation is different due to his age and the possibility of a free transfer to Real Madrid next summer.

Salah and Van Dijk, despite their world-class status, are likely to have fewer options. The forward will be 33 before his current contract expires, while Liverpool’s captain will turn 34 just a week after his terms end.

While both players staying at Liverpool seems the most likely outcome, contract talks may not be without complications. Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold will all be seeking top-tier wages along with long-term security, although The Athletic’s Simon Hughes has already reported that Salah would be open to a 12-month deal.

Liverpool makes formal offer to Van Dijk

A deal with Van Dijk now appears closer, with Liverpool having made a formal contract offer, according to Ornstein. The reporter stated: “Talks with Van Dijk have seen Liverpool table an opening bid to keep the 33-year-old beyond June.”

However, the situation isn’t entirely positive, as Ornstein added that the offer “fell short of [Van Dijk’s] expectations, and so far, there has been no breakthrough on the value or length of an extension.” He also mentioned: “The dialogue has taken place for some time and continues.”

Although no deal has been finalized, the fact that this information has emerged—likely from the club—suggests a growing confidence that progress will be made.

December 4, 2024